Top Five Tips to Succeed as a Franchisee – 8/20/2013

ATLANTANo one said running a franchise business was easy. You are investing your time, money, and talent in a new business opportunity, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming especially in the beginning.

Launching a new franchise model last year, the leading maid services franchise, Maid Brigade, shares tips from its latest Maid Simple House Cleaning franchisees to help position your business for growth and success.

1. Pick a franchise model that suits your lifestyleWhether you want to work from home, at an office, manage a large team, or work alone there are plenty of franchise opportunities available to fulfill your lifestyle desires. Before purchasing a franchise, identify what type of time, schedule, and lifestyle needs top your list of must-haves. This will ensure you can embark on your new business venture confident that your lifestyle concerns are addressed up front.

"After my career in the military ended, I began looking at franchising because the structure provided was a great fit for me," comments Tai Jeffries, owner of Maid Simple House Cleaning of Fort Wayne, Ind. "I also wanted an affordable home-based business that provided a flexible lifestyle and the business tools to get started quickly."

"For my family, franchising gave us the opportunity to make a living together instead of spending so much time apart working separate jobs," says Perry Gilpin, owner of Maid Simple House Cleaning of Central Kentucky.2. Create a support networkGet involved with your local chamber of commerce, industry association, professional organization, or small business owner and entrepreneur groups where you can meet with other like-minded individuals to share ideas and discuss success strategies. Also reach out to your franchisor and fellow franchisees for guidance, direction, and mentoring. These business relationships are invaluable.

"I made the change to Maid Simple House Cleaning because they teach me the whole business and they give me the support and encouragement I need," comments Veronda James, owner of Maid Simple House Cleaning of South Atlanta. "Maid Simple is always there to answer my questions and to show me the ropes so I can take charge of my own business." 3. Use all of the tools provided by the franchisorThis includes things such as financing, training, sales, marketing, technology, and web support. Take advantage of both on-site and ongoing training and ask questions along the way. Most franchisors have a variety of programs that can be a huge benefit to building your business.

"Franchising offers the training and support for everything that prevented me from venturing out on my own," says Nancy Panico, owner of Maid Simple House Cleaning of West Orlando. "Now I can be my own boss while benefiting from the history, knowledge, and experience of a team of people whose purpose is to help me succeed." 4. Make customer service and satisfaction a priorityValue customers for what they are the lifeblood of your business. Allow them to offer feedback at any and all times. Listen to their wants, needs, and concerns, and use these comments to improve the overall customer experience. Give them the respect and appreciation they deserve.

"For me, I think one of the biggest reasons we are successful is because we take a hands-on business approach," comments Rachelle Elias, owner of Maid Simple House Cleaning of North Metro Orlando. "Our customers are pleasantly surprised when I, the owner of the company, show up to clean their homes not just some employee." 5. Get involved in your communityDonate your time and services to support local charities, hospitals, libraries, schools, or groups that have causes near and dear to your heart. By giving back to your community, you will also become more familiar with current and potential customers their interests, concerns, wishes, and needs so you can better serve them.

"As a company, we are dedicated to giving back to veterans as a committed member of the International Franchise Association's VetFran program, which helps returning service members access franchise opportunities through training, financial assistance, and industry support," says Joel Lazarovitz, vice president of franchise recruitment for Maid Brigade.

"On the local level, the majority of our franchisees are pillars in their communities who are involved in many different organizations that provide support to a variety of causes."

About Maid BrigadeEstablished in 1979, Maid Brigade is North America's leading cleaning franchise with more than 400 franchise locations in the United States and Canada. The company is ranked a Top Global, Top 100, and Top 500 Franchise by Entrepreneur magazine, a Top 50 Franchise opportunity for Minorities and Veterans by USA Today, and a Top 25 Franchise for Hispanics by the World Franchising Network. Maid Brigade is the only Green Clean Certified maid services company in the world.

For less than $10,000, the residential cleaning leader now offers a NEW comprehensive franchise package. We do it all help get you customers, answer the phones, train you in person to get you started in just a few weeks!
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